Systems and methods for testing driver awareness within a vehicle and/or intervening during a possible crisis

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for testing driver awareness within a vehicle are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system includes an audio device, a memory, and a controller. The audio device is configured to output audible sentences to a driver of the vehicle and receive audible responses from the driver. The memory stores a plurality of dialog trees, each dialogue tree triggering a plurality of audible sentences. The controller is programmed to (i) cause the audio device to output a first audible sentence to the driver, (ii) receive response data relating to a first audible response provided by the driver to the audio device, (iii) select a dialogue tree of the plurality of dialogue trees based on the response data, and (iv) cause the audio device to output a plurality of second audible sentences from the selected dialogue tree.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods fortesting driver awareness within a vehicle and/or intervening during apossible crisis. More specifically, the present disclosure relates totesting driver awareness with audible dialogue and/or intervening duringa crisis based on driver responses.

Background Information

With any vehicle operated by a driver, there is a danger that the drivermay fall asleep while driving. The driver can also be distracted even ifthe driver is not in a sleep-deprived state. These types of situationsare dangerous not only for the driver, but also for other vehicles onthe road.

SUMMARY

It has been discovered that it is advantageous to initiate conversationwith the driver of a vehicle to ensure that the driver is alert andawake. The present disclosure provides systems and methods whichinitiate a structured conversation with the driver, for example, insituations in which the driver appears tired or distracted and/or adriving scenario requires extra attention. The systems and methods areconfigured to use short dialogue trees to allow for both variation andcontinuation of dialog to keep the driver engaged, thus preventing ordelaying sleep onset. In an embodiment, the short dialog trees can befor a range of topics fitting into personalization modules. For example,based on user preference and tastes, the short dialog trees can be fortrivia, short voice-only games, or even planning activities. If thesedialog-based tasks are performed when the driver is sleepy, they havethe dual impact of keeping driver awake and completing a task or funactivity.

In an example embodiment, the disclosed systems and methods can usecontext understanding to determine a typical scenario with a highprobability of latent sleep effects. For example, the system can begin aconversation by saying “David, how are you doing? Is now a good time fora quick chat?” This then leads into a structured dialog tree that keepsthe driver engaged in a shallow conversation lasting a three to sixdialog turns while helping to unpack a daily stressor. An AI parser canbe trained specifically for this first step and helps in engagement witha thoughtful reply (e.g., driver: “Yeah my boss is driving up a wall”,system: “Looks like you had a tough day at work”). Further, thiscategorization of a stressor (in this example “work” related stress)helps in providing a suitable cognitive behavioral therapy (“CBT”)method. Additionally, by focusing on uncovering the stressor using theCBT method, the systems and methods are offering a solution that helpswith engagement, a critical requirement to elevate cognitive functionand thereby delay the onset of sleep.

In another example embodiment, the system receives a sleepinessindicator, for example from an eye tracking system or on-board camera,based on which the system triggers the start of the conversation.

In another example embodiment, the system uses a sleepiness indexquestionnaire to determine how sleepy the driver is before starting theCBT method. The former is the measure that determines latent sleepeffects and the latter is the short dialog that aims to elevatecognitive function and prevent/delay sleep. In this embodiment, thesleepiness index questionnaire itself acts as a dialog, furtherimproving the efficacy of engaging the driver's cognitive function.

In view of the state of the known technology, one aspect of the presentdisclosure is to provide a system for testing driver awareness within avehicle. The system includes an audio device, a memory, and acontroller. The audio device is configured to output audible sentencesto a driver of the vehicle and receive audible responses from thedriver. The memory stores a plurality of dialog trees, each dialoguetree triggering a plurality of audible sentences. The controller isprogrammed to (i) cause the audio device to output a first audiblesentence to the driver, (ii) receive response data relating to a firstaudible response provided by the driver to the audio device, (iii)select a dialogue tree of the plurality of dialogue trees based on theresponse data, and (iv) cause the audio device to output a plurality ofsecond audible sentences from the selected dialogue tree.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide another systemfor testing driver awareness within a vehicle. The system includes atleast one sensor, an audio device, and a controller. The at least onesensor is configured to generate driver data relating to a current stateof a driver of the vehicle. The audio device is configured to outputaudible sentences to the driver and receive audible responses from thedriver. The controller is programmed to trigger the audio device tooutput a plurality of audible sentences to the driver upon determiningfrom the driver data that the current state is a triggering driverstate.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a method fortesting driver awareness within a vehicle. The method includestriggering an audio device to output a first audible sentence to adriver of the vehicle based upon a determination of at least one of atriggering driver state, a triggering weather state, a triggeringtraffic state, a triggering road state, or a triggering vehiclecomponent state, receiving response data relating to a first audibleresponse provided by the driver to the audio device, selecting adialogue tree from a plurality of dialogue trees based on the responsedata, and causing the audio device to output a plurality of secondaudible sentences from the selected dialogue tree.

Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the systems andmethods disclosed herein will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunctionwith the annexed drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of thedisclosed systems and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of thisoriginal disclosure:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an example embodiment of asystem for testing driver awareness within a vehicle in accordance withthe present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a method for testing driverawareness within a vehicle which can be implemented using the system ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a dialogue tree which can beused in the example method of FIG. 2 ; and

FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of a method for testingdriver awareness within a vehicle which can be implemented using thesystem of FIG. 1 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to thedrawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from thisdisclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments areprovided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting theinvention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 , a system 10 for testing driver awarenesswithin a vehicle 12 is illustrated in accordance with a firstembodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 10 includes avehicle 12 having a vehicle body 14 and a controller 16. Alternatively,the system 10 can include the controller 16 and/or other componentsdiscussed herein and be separate from and in communication with one ormore components of the vehicle 12.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 includes at least one processor 18and at least one memory 19. The controller 16 preferably includes amicrocomputer with a vehicle component control program that controls oneor more adjustable vehicle components 20 and/or an audio device 24 asdiscussed below. The controller 16 can also include other conventionalcomponents such as an input interface circuit, an output interfacecircuit, and storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) device anda RAM (Random Access Memory) device. The microcomputer of the controller16 is programmed to control one or more vehicle component 20, audiodevice 24 and/or sensor 30 discussed herein. The memory circuit storesprocessing results and control programs such as ones for vehiclecomponent control operations that are run by the processor circuit. Thecontroller 16 is operatively coupled to the vehicle body 14 in aconventional manner. The internal RAM of the controller 16 storesstatuses of operational flags and various control data. The internal ROMof the controller 16 stores the instructions for various operations. Thecontroller 16 is capable of selectively controlling any of thecomponents of the vehicle 12 in accordance with the control program.

The vehicle 12 includes at least one vehicle component 20. Morespecifically, the vehicle 12 includes a plurality of vehicle components20. A vehicle component 20 can include any vehicle component that iscapable of being controlled based on instructions from the controller16. Typically, as explained in more detail below, the controller 16 willadjust a vehicle component in accordance with the present disclosure inresponse to a crisis situation. In one example, the vehicle component 20includes the engine of the vehicle 12, and the controller 16 isconfigured to adjust the engine by shutting off the engine. In anotherexample, the vehicle component 20 includes an emergency contact systemwithin the vehicle, and the controller 16 is configured to adjust theemergency contact system by causing the emergency contact system tocontact an emergency service. In another example, the vehicle component20 includes an in-vehicle alarm, and the controller 16 is configured toadjust the alarm by setting off the alarm. In another embodiment, thevehicle component 20 includes a driver assistance system, and thecontroller 16 is configured to adjust the driver assistance system bytriggering the driver assistance system to safely pull the vehicle 12off to the side of the road or to another safe location. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize from this disclosure thatvarious other vehicle components 20 can be controlled in accordance withthe systems and methods discussed herein. An adjustment of a vehiclecomponent 20 can include any adjustment triggered by the controller 16(e.g., physical, electrical, and/or computer adjustment, etc.).

In an embodiment, the vehicle 12 includes an audio device 24. The audiodevice 24 is configured to output audible sentences to a driver of thevehicle 12 and receive audible responses from the driver. The audiodevice 24 can also serve other functions within the vehicle 12, forexample, can also be used by a navigation system, an in-vehicleentertainment unit, or another vehicle component. In an embodiment, thevehicle 12 includes multiple audio devices 24. The audio device 24 canalso be a vehicle component 20 which is controlled by the controller 16in accordance with the present disclosure (e.g., to provide an alarm orother alert to the driver).

The audio device 24 includes a microphone 26. The microphone 26 isconfigured to receive audible responses from the driver of the vehicle12. The audio device 24 also includes a speaker 28 configured to outputaudible sentences to the driver. In an embodiment, the microphone 26 andthe speaker 28 are located together on the same unit. Alternatively, themicrophone 26 and speaker 28 can be located separately. In anembodiment, the audio device 24 can include multiple microphones 26and/or multiple speakers 28 located at different locations within thevehicle 12.

The audio device 24 is configured to generate response data based on anaudible response. In an embodiment, the response data represents theaudible response received by the audio device 24 from the driver. In anembodiment, each audible response received by the audio device 24results in the generation of distinct response data. In an embodiment,the response data includes an automatic speech recognition (ASR) outputand/or a natural language understanding (NLU) output and/or is used togenerate an ASR output and/or an NLU output. In an embodiment, the audiodevice 24 and/or controller 16 is configured to process the responsedata using speech recognition software. Use of the response data by thecontroller 16 is discussed in more detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 12 includes at least onesensor 30. More specifically, the vehicle 12 includes a plurality ofsensors 30. Each sensor 30 is configured to generate context data. In anembodiment, the context data includes at least one of (i) driver datarelating to a current state of the driver of the vehicle, (ii) trafficdata relating to a current state of traffic, (iii) weather data relatingto a current state of weather, (iv) road data relating to a currentstate of one or more road, and/or (v) vehicle component data relating toa current state of one or more vehicle component 20. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will recognize from this disclosure that there are alsoother types of context data capable of detection by a sensor 30. Asensor 30 can be located inside or outside of the vehicle 12. As shouldbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from thisdisclosure, the location and/or type of sensor 30 will typically dependon the type of context data being gathered.

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 30 includes a driver sensor30A. The driver sensor 30A is directed at the driver of the vehicle 12.The driver sensor 30A is configured to generate driver data relating toa current state of the driver. In an embodiment, the driver sensor 30Aincludes, for example, a sensor which detects the driver's line ofsight, head position, eye position, facial expression, body language, orother driver data that is specific to the driver. In an embodiment, adriver sensor 30A includes one or more image sensor configured to recordone or more image of the driver of the vehicle 12 and generate thedriver data from the at least one image. In an embodiment, an imagesensor includes a camera configured to record one or more image of thedriver. The image can include still images or video. In an embodiment,an image sensor is located at or near the dashboard of the vehicle 12and is focused rearward toward the driver to capture the front side ofthe driver's head. The image sensor can also be located at otherlocations and/or capture the driver from other angles. In an embodiment,the controller 16 is configured to use driver data from such an imagesensor to generate context data related to the driver's line of sight,head position, eye position, facial expression, or body language. In anembodiment, the controller 16 is configured to determine the driver'sline of sight, head position, eye position, facial expression, bodylanguage, etc. using one or more image recognition algorithm (e.g.,using size and/or shape recognition, one or more neural network, etc.).

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 30 includes a traffic sensor30B. The traffic sensor 30B is configured to generate traffic datarelating to a current state of traffic. In an embodiment, the trafficsensor 30B includes a proximity sensor or image sensor which detectsother cars in a vicinity of the vehicle 12 and/or which detects trafficsignals. In an embodiment, an image sensor includes a camera configuredto record one or more image outside of the vehicle 12, and thecontroller 16 is programmed to determine a traffic situation using theimage, for example, using size and/or shape recognition to determine thepresence of other vehicles, traffic signs and signals, or othertraffic-related objects. In the illustrated embodiment, the trafficsensor 30B is positioned at the front of the vehicle 12 to detecttraffic in front of the vehicle 12. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize from this disclosure that there are various types ofsensors 30 which detect traffic-related information.

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 30 includes a weather sensor30C. The weather sensor 30C is configured to generate weather datarelating to a current state of weather. In an embodiment, the weathersensor 30C includes a moisture sensor which detects moisture outside ofthe vehicle 12 (e.g., which detects rain or snow). In an embodiment, theweather sensor 30C includes a temperature sensor which detects thetemperature inside and/or outside of the vehicle 12. In an embodiment,the weather sensor 30C includes a noise sensor which detects the wind orother weather-related noise outside of or coming into the vehicle 12.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from this disclosurethat there are various types of sensors 30 which detect weather-relatedinformation.

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 30 includes a road sensor 30D.The road sensor 30D is configured to generate road data relating to acurrent state of one or more road surface. In an embodiment, the roadsensor 30D detects a roughness of the road surface. In an embodiment,the road sensor 30D detects a type of road surface (e.g., sand, gravel,mud, asphalt, concrete, etc.). In an embodiment, the road sensor 30Ddetects a road condition (e.g., a slick surface due to rain, snow,etc.). Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from thisdisclosure that there are various types of sensors 30 which detectroad-related information.

In an embodiment, the at least one sensor 30 includes a vehiclecomponent sensor 30E. The vehicle component sensor 30E is configured togenerate vehicle component data relating to a currentconfiguration/state of a vehicle component 20. In an embodiment, thevehicle component sensor 30E includes, for example, a sensor whichdetects a current state such as an ON/OFF state, a mechanical/positionalconfiguration, a volume level, a temperature, a route, or any otherdetectable state of a vehicle component 20. In an embodiment, a vehiclecomponent sensor 30E is configured to detect that the current state of avehicle component 20 is one of a plurality of different configurations.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize from this disclosurethat there are various types of sensors 30 which detectcomponent-related information.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of a method 100 for testingdriver awareness within a vehicle 12. Some or all of the steps of themethod 100 can be stored as instructions on at least one memory 19 ofthe controller 16 and executed by at least one processor 18 of thecontroller 16. Some or all of the steps of the method 100 can also bestored as instructions on a memory of one or more of a vehicle component20, audio device 24 and/or sensor 30 and executed by a processor of thevehicle component 20, audio device 24 and/or sensor 30. It should beunderstood from this disclosure that some of the steps described hereincan be reordered or omitted without departing from the spirit or scopeof the method 100.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the controller 16 includes an audibleresponse analysis module 36. The audible response analysis module 36 isprogrammed to interpret audible responses from the driver of the vehicle12. The audible response analysis module 36 is programmed to interpretaudible responses, for example, by generating and/or processing anautomatic speech recognition (ASR) output and/or a natural languageunderstanding (NLU) output to determine what the driver has spoken intothe audio device 24. The audible response analysis module 36 is furtherprogrammed to generate appropriate audible sentences to output to thedriver 24 in response to the audible responses, for example, byselecting appropriate dialogue trees as discussed herein. In anembodiment, the audible response analysis module 36 includes speechrecognition software and/or speech generation software.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the memory 18 includes a database 38 whichstores a plurality of dialog trees 40. Each dialogue tree 40 triggers aplurality of audible sentences. As explained in more detail below, thecontroller 16, via the audible response analysis module 36, isprogrammed to select a dialogue tree 40 a, 40 b . . . 40 n of theplurality of dialogue trees 40 based on the response data from one ormore audible response spoken by the driver of the vehicle 12 into theaudio device 24. FIG. 3 , discussed in more detail below, illustrates anexample embodiment of a dialogue tree 40.

In an embodiment, each of the plurality of dialogue trees 40 areweighted. The weightings allow the controller 16, via the audibleresponse analysis module 36, to select an appropriate dialogue tree 40a, 40 b . . . 40 n during the method 100. In an embodiment, each of theplurality of dialogue trees 40 are weighted based on the driver'spreferences. For example, the driver may prefer dialogue trees 40related to trivia, short voice-only games, planning activities, or otherparticular subjects. In another example, each of the plurality ofdialogue trees 40 are weighted based how the driver has previouslyresponded to one or more dialogue tree 40. In an embodiment, each of theplurality of dialogue trees 40 are weighted based on one or more keyword spoken by the driver in an audible response. In an embodiment, thecontroller 16 continuously adjusts one or more weights based on thereaction of the driver in response to outputting sentences from thedialogue trees 40. This way, the controller 16 is programmed to accessdialogue trees 40 which are most interesting to the driver, thus keepingthe driver's attention and preventing the onset of sleep.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the controller 16 includes a context module50. The controller 16, via the context module 50, is programmed toprocess context data and determine the existence of a triggering state.The processing of the context data to determine a triggering state isdiscussed in more detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 16 is configured to accesscontext data from one or more remote source. Specifically, thecontroller 16 is configured to access context data from a remote sourcevia a wireless network 52. Here, the remote source includes a corpus ofutterances 54 and/or one or more extrinsic source 56. In an embodiment,the corpus of utterances 54 includes a database of phrases which arealternatives to possible audible responses received by the audio device24. In an embodiment, the one or more extrinsic source 56 includes, forexample, a weather database with weather data related to the weather inthe area of the vehicle 12 as discussed herein, a traffic database withtraffic data related to traffic in the area of the vehicle 12 asdiscussed herein, and/or a road condition database with road datarelated to road conditions in the area of the vehicle 12 as discussedherein.

In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 16 is configured to accesscontext data from one or more state module 60 stored locally in at leastone memory 19. The state modules 60 process context data from one ormore sensor 30. In an embodiment, a state module 60 includes one or moreof a vehicle state module 60 a, a scenario module 60 b, a driver statemodule 60 c, a situational module 60 d, and/or another module whichprocesses context data. In an embodiment, each state module 60 includesprocessing instructions for receiving and processing context data fromone or more respective sensor 30. In an embodiment, one or more module60 can be accessed wirelessly via the network 52 instead of via a localmemory 19.

The vehicle state module 60 a is configured to process context datarelated to a current state of one or more vehicle components 20. In anembodiment, the vehicle state module 60 a is configured to processvehicle component data relating to a current state of at least onevehicle component 20. For example, in various embodiments, the vehiclestate module 60 a is configured to process context data from a vehiclecomponent sensor 30E to determine whether one or more vehicle component20 is on or off. In various embodiments, the vehicle state module 60 ais configured to process context data from a vehicle component sensor30E to determine a mechanical configuration, electrical configuration,computer configuration or mode, or any other detectable state of avehicle component 20. In an embodiment, the vehicle state module 60 a isconfigured to process context data from a vehicle component sensor 30Eto detect that the current state of a vehicle component 20 is one of aplurality of different configurations. Thus, in an embodiment, thevehicle state module 60 a is configured to detect abnormal situationsbased on the current state of one or more vehicle component 20.

The scenario module 60 b is configured to process context data relatedto a current scenario of the vehicle 12. The scenario can be, forexample, a weather-related scenario (e.g., that the vehicle 12 isexperiencing rain, high winds, humid weather, etc.). In an embodiment,the scenario module 60 b is configured to process weather data relatingto a current state of weather as determined by a weather sensor 30C asdiscussed herein. In an embodiment, the scenario module 60 b isconfigured to process context data related to a non-weather relatedscenario. For example, in an embodiment, the scenario module 60 b isconfigured to process road data relating to a current state of one ormore road as determined by a road sensor 30D as discussed herein. Inanother example embodiment, the scenario module 60 b is configured toprocess traffic data relating to a current state of traffic asdetermined by a traffic sensor 30B as discussed herein.

The driver state module 60 c is configured to process context datarelated to the driver of the vehicle 12. In an embodiment, the driverstate module 60 c is configured to process driver data relating to thedriver of the vehicle 12 as discussed herein. The driver data caninclude, for example, the driver's line of sight, head position, eyeposition, facial expression, body language, whether the occupant isyawning or covering his or her mouth, or other driver data.

In an embodiment, the context data related to the driver of the vehicle12 includes data from an image taken of the driver by an image sensor30A. From the image, the driver state module 60 c is configured todetect conditions such as the driver's line of sight and/or headposition based on eye and/or head direction. The driver state module 60c is configured to detect conditions such as whether the driver isyawning using image recognition processing. The driver state module 60 cis also configured to detect conditions such as facial expressions usingimage recognition processing. The image recognition processing can beperformed, for example, via one or more neural network.

In an embodiment, the driver data indicates whether the driver appearsto be falling asleep. The controller 16 is configured to determinewhether the driver is tired based on the driver data (e.g., yawning,closing eyes, etc.). For example, the driver yawning can be determined,for example, by an image taken by the driver sensor 30A which shows thedriver's mouth to be opened by a predetermined amount and/or for apredetermined amount of time. In another example, the driver being tiredor falling asleep can be indicated based on the driver's eyes closing bya predetermined amount and/or for a predetermined period of time.

In an embodiment, the driver data indicates the current line of sightdetected for a driver of the vehicle 12. The controller 16 is configuredto determine the driver's line of sight using the driver data. Morespecifically, the controller 16 is configured to use the driver data todetermine the driver's head pose and gaze direction. The driver's headpose includes the direction that the driver's head is turned. Thedriver's gaze direction includes the direction that the driver's eyesare pointing, for example, in relation to the driver's face. Based onthe driver's head pose and/or gaze direction, the controller 16 isconfigured to calculate a probable line of sight for the driver. Thedriver's line of sight being focused away from the road (e.g., in anonforward direction) can indicate that the driver is not payingattention to the road. Alternatively or additionally, the controller 16is configured to determine the driver's attention level based on thesight data. The attention level can be based, for example, on how oftenor quickly the driver is moving his or her head or eyes.

The situational module 60 d is configured to process context datarelated to a current situation relating to traffic or other obstaclessurrounding the vehicle 12. In an embodiment, the situational module 60d is configured to process traffic data relating to a current state oftraffic as discussed herein. In an embodiment, the context dataprocessed by the situational module 60 d includes one or more of avehicle classifier, a vehicle direction, the traffic density, roadfeatures, weather, and/or other data. In an embodiment, the situationalmodule 60 d is configured to process context data to determine one ormore of an impact of the vehicle class, an impact of the vehicledirection, an impact of traffic density, an impact of turning orotherwise changing direction, or another impact. In various embodiments,the situational module 60 d is configured to process one or more ofvehicle component data, weather data, traffic data and/or road data asdiscussed herein.

In an embodiment, the situational module 60 d includes a MODIA (multipleonline decision-components with interacting actions) model. Such a modelcan be configured to provide intelligent driving assist technology thataids the driver of a vehicle with navigation in real-time, for example,using various sensors in combination with a navigation system such as aglobal positioning system.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 includes a learning module 62. Thelearning module 62 is configured to learn from the context module 50processing audible responses that are received from the driver. In anembodiment, if the driver reacts negatively to a triggering statedetected by the context module 50, the learning module 62 is configuredto adjust the triggering state so that it occurs less frequently or notat all. For example, if the context module 50 detects a triggering statebased on the driver appearing tired, but the driver responds negativelythat he or she is not tired, then the learning module 62 is configuredto adjust the triggering states so that the particular parameters whichdetermined the triggering state are devalued in future occurrences.

At step 102, the controller 16 analyzes context data to determinewhether a current state of the driver and/or vehicle 12 is a triggeringstate. More specifically, the controller 16 analysis context data viathe context module 50 to determine whether a current state of the driverand/or vehicle 12 is a triggering state. If the controller 16 determinesthat a triggering state exists, the method 100 proceeds to step 104. Ifthe controller 16 does not determine that a triggering state exists, themethod 100 continues to process context data via the context module 50until a triggering state exists.

In an embodiment, the triggering state includes a triggering driverstate determined from driver data. In this embodiment, the controller 16is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to output at least a firstaudible sentence to the driver upon determining from the driver datathat the current state is a triggering driver state. Specifically, thecontroller 16 is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to output aplurality of audible sentences (e.g., steps 104, 108, 112) to the driverupon determining from the driver data that the current state is atriggering driver state. In an embodiment, the triggering driver stateis a state in which the controller 16 determines that the driver istired and/or distracted. In an embodiment, the controller 16 isconfigured to determine the triggering driver state based on at leastone current image of the driver as determined from the driver sensor30A. For example, in an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed totrigger the audio device 24 to output the plurality of audible sentencesupon determining that the current state is the triggering driver statebased on the driver yawning. The driver yawning can be determined, forexample, by an image taken by the driver sensor 30A which shows thedriver's mouth to be opened by a predetermined amount and/or for apredetermined amount of time. In another embodiment, the controller 16is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to output the plurality ofaudible sentences upon determining that the current state is thetriggering driver state based on the driver's eyes closing by apredetermined amount and/or for a predetermined period of time. Thedriver's eyes closing in this manner can indicate that the driver isfalling asleep. In yet another embodiment, the controller 16 isprogrammed to trigger the audio device 24 to output the plurality ofaudible sentences upon determining that the current state is thetriggering driver state based on the driver's line of site being in anonforward direction for a predetermined amount of time. The driver'sline of sight being focused away from the road can indicate that thedriver is not paying attention to the road.

In an embodiment, the triggering state includes a triggering trafficstate determined from traffic data. In this embodiment, the controller16 is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to output at least afirst audible sentence to the driver upon determining from the trafficdata that the current state is a triggering traffic state. Specifically,the controller 16 is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to outputa plurality of audible sentences (e.g., steps 104, 108, 112) to thedriver upon determining from the traffic data that the current state isa triggering traffic state. In an embodiment, the triggering trafficstate is a state in which the controller 16 determines that potentiallydangerous traffic conditions exist (e.g., traffic stoppages, roadclosures, etc.) which require the driver's attention.

In an embodiment, the triggering state includes a triggering weatherstate determined from weather data. In this embodiment, the controller16 is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to output at least afirst audible sentence to the driver upon determining from the weatherdata that the current state is a triggering weather state. Specifically,the controller 16 is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to outputa plurality of audible sentences (e.g., steps 104, 108, 112) to thedriver upon determining from the weather data that the current state isa triggering weather state. In an embodiment, the triggering weatherstate is a state in which the controller 16 determines that potentiallydangerous weather conditions exist (e.g., heavy rain, snow, winds, etc.)which require the driver's attention.

In an embodiment, the triggering state includes a triggering road statedetermined from road data. In this embodiment, the controller 16 isprogrammed to trigger the audio device 24 to output at least a firstaudible sentence to the driver upon determining from the road data thatthe current state is a triggering road state. Specifically, thecontroller 16 is programmed to trigger the audio device 24 to output aplurality of audible sentences (e.g., steps 104, 108, 112) to the driverupon determining from the road data that the current state is atriggering road state. In an embodiment, the triggering road state is astate in which the controller 16 determines that potentially dangerousroad conditions exist (e.g., unexpected road surface, sudden change inroad surface, etc.) which require the driver's attention.

In an embodiment, the triggering state includes a triggering vehiclecomponent state determined from vehicle component data. In thisembodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to trigger the audio device24 to output at least a first audible sentence to the driver upondetermining from the vehicle component data that the current state is atriggering vehicle component state. Specifically, the controller 16 isprogrammed to trigger the audio device 24 to output a plurality ofaudible sentences (e.g., steps 104, 108, 112) to the driver upondetermining from the vehicle component data that the current state is atriggering vehicle component state. In an embodiment, the triggeringvehicle component state is a state in which the controller 16 determinesthat potentially dangerous vehicle component conditions exist (e.g.,unexpected component usage, unexpected component failure, unexpectedsteering, unexpected loud noises detected, unexpected vibrationdetected, etc.) which require the driver's attention.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 determines a triggering state bydetermining the existence of at least two of a triggering driver state,a triggering traffic state, a triggering weather state, a triggeringroad state, and a triggering vehicle component state. In an embodiment,the controller 16 determines a triggering state by determining theexistence of a triggering driver state in combination with at least oneof a triggering traffic state, a triggering weather state, a triggeringroad state, and a triggering vehicle component state. In this way, thecontroller 16 ensures that the driver is paying attention when there isa heightened level of safety needed (e.g., due to traffic, weather, roadconditions, and/or vehicle component failures). For example, in anembodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to trigger the audio device24 to output the plurality of audible sentences upon determining (i)that the triggering driver state exists based on the driver data, and(ii) that a triggering weather state, triggering traffic state,triggering road state, or triggering vehicle component state existsbased on received context data.

In an alternative embodiment, the controller 16 can periodically triggerstep 104 without detection of a triggering state.

At step 104, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output anaudible sentence to the driver to initiate dialogue with the driver. Inan embodiment, the audible sentence can be an initiating audiblesentence. The audible sentence can also be considered a first audiblesentence as discussed herein (e.g., with respect to step 108). Here, theinitiating audible sentence is “Hi Jon, how are you doing?”. Thisaudible sentence is intended to initiate dialogue with the driver.

At step 106, the driver provides an audible response to the audio device24. The audible response can be an initial audible response. The audibleresponse can also be considered a first audible response as discussedherein (e.g., with respect to step 110). Here, the initial audibleresponse is “Hi, I am <______>.” The controller 16 receives responsedata relating to the initial audible response provided by the driver tothe audio device 24. The controller 16 then processes the response data.For example, in an embodiment, the controller process an automaticspeech recognition (ASR) output and/or a natural language understanding(NLU) output to determine what the driver said. In an embodiment, thecontroller 16 is further configured to identify key words in the audibleresponse (e.g., the variable “<______>” in the present exampleembodiment).

At step 108, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output afirst audible sentence to the driver. Here, the first audible sentenceis “Let's talk about it a little, describe to me something that is onyour mind.” In an embodiment, the first audible sentence is a genericsentence. In another embodiment, the first audible sentence is asentence from one of the plurality of dialogue trees 40 stored by thedatabase 38. In an embodiment, the first audible sentence is one of aplurality of first audible sentences selected by the controller 16. Inan embodiment, the first audible sentence is selected based on theresponse data processed at step 106. For example, in an embodiment, thecontroller 16 selects the first audible sentence based on one or morekey word detected in the response data (e.g., the variable “<______>” inthe present example embodiment).

At step 110, the driver provides a first audible response to the audiodevice 24. The controller 16 receive response data relating to the firstaudible response provided by the driver to the audio device 24. Here,the first audible response is “I am thinking about <______>.” Thecontroller 16 then processes the response data. Again, in an embodiment,the controller 16 process an automatic speech recognition (ASR) outputand/or a natural language understanding (NLU) output to determine whatthe driver said. In an embodiment, the controller 16 is furtherconfigured to identify key words in the first audible response (e.g.,the variable “<______>” in the present example embodiment).

The controller 16 then selects a dialogue tree 40 of the plurality ofdialogue trees 40 based on the response data. For example, in anembodiment, the controller 16 selects the dialogue tree 40 based on oneor more key word detected in the response data (e.g., the variable“<______>” in the present example embodiment). In an embodiment, thecontroller 16 selects the dialogue tree 40 based on at least one of: (i)one or more word detected in the first audible response, and/or (ii) atone of the first audible response.

In an embodiment, each dialogue tree 40 is weighted. The controller 16is programmed to select an appropriate dialogue tree 40 based on itsweight. The weights can be based on the driver's preferences, how thedriver has previously responded to one or more dialogue tree 40, one ormore key word spoken by the driver in an audible response, and/or otherfactors. In an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to adjust aweight of the selected dialogue tree 40 in comparison to other of theplurality of dialog trees 40 in the memory 19 based on at least onesecond audible response provided by the driver to the audio device 24 inresponse to a second audible sentence from the selected dialogue tree40. For example, if the driver reacts negatively to the first sentenceof a selected dialogue tree 40 (e.g., with negative words or a negativetone), the controller 16 is programmed to reduce the weight applied tothat dialogue tree 40 for future uses. Likewise, if the driver reactspositively to a selected dialogue tree 40 (e.g., with positive words ora positive tone), the controller 16 is programmed to increase the weightapplied to that dialogue tree 40 for future uses.

At step 112, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output asecond audible sentence from the selected dialogue tree 40.Specifically, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output aplurality of second audible sentences from the selected dialogue tree40. Here, a second audible sentence is “That sounds like a <______>related topic.” The controller 16 then proceeds with additional secondaudible sentences from the selected dialogue tree 40.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to adjust the selecteddialogue tree 40 based on how the driver reacts to the second audiblesentence. For example, if the driver reacts negatively to the firstsentence of a selected dialogue tree 40 (e.g., with negative words or anegative tone), the controller 16 is programmed to choose a new dialoguetree 40 of the plurality of dialogue trees.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 performs sentiment analysis asresponse data is processed at steps 106 and/or 110 above. For example,in an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to determine thedriver's sentiment based on driver data from the driver sensor 30A(e.g., the driver appearing angry in an image), by key words detected inthe response data (e.g., negative words), and/or by the driver's voiceinflection in the audible response received by the audio device 24(e.g., a negative tone/inflection). As described herein, the controller16 is programmed to adjust weights and/or change dialogue trees 40 basedon the sentiment analysis.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 performs crisis detection asresponse data is processed at steps 106 and/or 110 above. For example,in an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to determine that acrisis exists if the driver does not respond to one or more audiblesentences. In another example embodiment, the controller 16 isprogrammed to determine that a crisis exists if certain words present inthe driver's response are indicative of a crisis (e.g., crisis wordssuch as “help”). In another example embodiment, the controller 16 isprogrammed to determine that a crisis exists based on driver data fromthe driver sensor 30A (e.g., the driver appearing scared or upset in animage). In another example embodiment, the controller 16 is programmedto determine that a crisis exists based on the driver's voice inflectionin the audible responses received by the audio device 24.

In an embodiment, the controller 16 is configured to adjust at least onevehicle component 20 during the method 100. In an embodiment, thecontroller 16 is programmed to adjust at least one vehicle component 20when a crisis is detected. For example, in an embodiment, the controller16 is programmed to adjust at least one vehicle component 20 when thedriver does not respond to at least one of the plurality of audiblesentences output by the audio device 24. More specifically, thecontroller 16 is programmed to adjust at least one vehicle component 20when the driver does not respond to at least one of the first or secondaudible sentences output by the audio device 24. In an embodiment, thecontroller 16 is programmed to adjust at least one vehicle component 20in response to certain words present in the driver's response, thedriver's voice inflection in the audible response received by the audiodevice 24, and/or other driver data from the driver sensor 30A (e.g.,the driver appearing scared in an image).

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of a dialogue tree 40. Asillustrated, the dialogue tree 40 includes a plurality of audiblesentences. The controller 16 is configured to cause the audio device 24to output each of these audible sentences, for example, depending on theaudible responses received from the driver of the vehicle 12. At step41, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output a firstaudible sentence of the dialogue tree 40 (e.g., “A popular technique inCognitive Behavior is Glass Half Full thinking. Let's think about yourproblem together. Have you ever dealt with this issue or somethingsimilar before?”). At step 42, the controller 16 parses the responsedata (e.g., using an ASR/NLU output) from the first audible response,for example, for key words, sentiment analysis, and/or crisis detection.At step 43, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output asecond audible sentence of the dialogue tree 40 (e.g., “Can you thinkabout some positives that can come out of this situation?”). At step 44,the controller 16 again parses the response data from the second audibleresponse, for example, for key words, sentiment analysis, and/or crisisdetection. Here, the controller 16 chooses the next audible sentence(e.g., at step 45 or step 46) based on the parsing at step 44. At step45 (e.g., in response to a “Yes” answer at step 44), the controller 16causes the audio device 24 to output a third audible sentence of thedialogue tree 40 (e.g., “Take a moment to name at least two positives. Iwill be listening.”). At step 46 (e.g., in response to a “No” answer atstep 44), the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output afourth audible sentence of the dialogue tree 40 (e.g., “It helps tothink about something funny perhaps in your situation.”) At step 47, thecontroller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output a fifth audiblesentence of the dialogue tree 40 (e.g., “Do tell me.”). At step 48, thecontroller 16 again parses the response data from the third, fourthand/or fifth audible responses, for example, for key words, sentimentanalysis, and/or crisis detection. At step 49, the controller 16concludes the dialogue tree by causing the audio device 24 to output asixth and final audible sentence of the dialogue tree 40 (e.g., “Thankyou for sharing and chatting with me.”).

FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of a method 200 fortesting driver awareness within a vehicle 12. The method 200 can beperformed in combination with and/or in place of certain steps of themethod 100 discussed herein. Some or all of the steps of the method 200can be stored as instructions on at least one memory 19 of thecontroller 16 and executed by at least one processor 18 of thecontroller 16. Some or all of the steps of the method 200 can also bestored as instructions on a memory of one or more of a vehicle component20, audio device 24 and/or sensor 30 and executed by a processor of thevehicle component 20, audio device 24 and/or sensor 30. It should beunderstood from this disclosure that some of the steps described hereincan be reordered or omitted without departing from the spirit or scopeof the method 200.

At step 202, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output anaudible sentence to the driver to initiate dialogue with the driver. Inan embodiment, the audible sentence can be an initiating audiblesentence. The audible sentence can also be considered a first audiblesentence as discussed herein (e.g., with respect to step 206). Step 202can correspond to step 104 discussed above.

At step 204, the driver provides an audible response to the audio device24. The audible response can be an initial audible response. The audibleresponse can also be considered a first audible response as discussedherein (e.g., with respect to step 208). The controller 16 receivesresponse data relating to the initial audible response provided by thedriver to the audio device 24. The controller 16 then parses theresponse data. For example, in an embodiment, the controller processesan automatic speech recognition (ASR) output and/or a natural languageunderstanding (NLU) output to determine what the driver said. In anembodiment, the controller 16 is further configured to identify keywords in the audible response. Step 204 can correspond to step 106discussed above.

At step 206, the controller 16 causes the audio device 24 to output afirst audible sentence to the driver. In an embodiment, the firstaudible sentence is a generic sentence. In another embodiment, the firstaudible sentence is a sentence from one of the plurality of dialoguetrees 40 stored by the database 38. In an embodiment, the first audiblesentence is one of a plurality of first audible sentences selected bythe controller 16. In an embodiment, the first audible sentence isselected based on the response data processed at step 204. For example,in an embodiment, the controller 16 selects the first audible sentencebased on one or more word detected in the response data from the initialaudible response. Step 206 can correspond to step 108 discussed above.

At step 208, the driver provides a first audible response to the audiodevice 24. The controller 16 receive response data relating to the firstaudible response provided by the driver to the audio device 24. Thecontroller 16 then processes the response data. Again, in an embodiment,the controller 16 process an automatic speech recognition (ASR) outputand/or a natural language understanding (NLU) output to determine whatthe driver said. In an embodiment, the controller 16 is furtherconfigured to identify key words in the first audible response. Step 208can correspond to step 110 discussed above.

At step 210, the controller 16 analyzes the driver's sentiment. Asdiscussed above, the controller 16 is programmed to determine thedriver's sentiment based on driver data from the driver sensor 30A(e.g., the driver appearing angry in an image), by key words detected inthe response data (e.g., negative words), and/or by the driver's voiceinflection in the audible response received by the audio device 24(e.g., a negative tone/inflection).

At step 212, the controller 16 determines whether there is a crisis. Asdiscussed above, in various embodiments, the controller 16 is programmedto determine that a crisis exists if the driver does not respond to oneor more audible sentences, based on certain words present in thedriver's response which are indicative of a crisis (e.g., crisis wordssuch as “help”), based on driver data from the driver sensor 30A (e.g.,the driver appearing scared or upset in an image), and/or based on thedriver's voice inflection in the audible response received by the audiodevice 24. In an embodiment, the determination of the crisis can includethe analysis of the driver's sentiment at step 110.

If the controller detects a crisis at step 212, the method 200 moves tostep 214. At step 214, the controller 16 takes an action based on thecrises. In an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to adjust atleast one vehicle component 20 when a crisis is detected. The adjustmentis intended to help with the crises and can be tailored to the crisesthat is detected. In one example, the vehicle component 20 includes theengine of the vehicle 12, and the controller 16 is configured to shutoff the engine. In another example, the vehicle component 20 includes anemergency contact system within the vehicle, and the controller 16 isconfigured to cause the emergency contact system to contact an emergencyservice. In another example, the vehicle component 20 includes anin-vehicle alarm, and the controller 16 is configured to set off thealarm. In another embodiment, the vehicle component 20 includes a driverassistance system, and the controller 16 is configured to trigger thedriver assistance system to safely pull the vehicle 12 off to the sideof the road or to another safe location. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize from this disclosure that various other vehiclecomponents 20 can be controlled in accordance with the systems andmethods discussed herein.

If the controller 16 does not detect a crisis at step 212, the method200 moves to step 216. At step 216, the controller 16 selects a dialoguetree 40 of the plurality of dialogue trees 40 as discussed herein. Forexample, in an embodiment, the controller 16 selects the dialogue tree40 based on one or more key word detected in the response data. In anembodiment, the controller 16 selects the dialogue tree 40 based on atleast one of: (i) one or more word detected in the first audibleresponse, or (ii) atone of the first audible response. In an embodiment,the controller 16 selects a dialogue tree 40 at least in part based onthe sentiment analysis performed at step 210 (e.g., different dialoguetree 40 are weighted more heavily for different types of sentiments). Inan embodiment, the controller 16 selects a dialogue tree 40 based theweightings of the dialogue tree as discussed herein.

The controller 16 then causes the audio device 24 to output a pluralityof second audible sentences from the selected dialogue tree 40. In anembodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to select a new dialoguetree 40 based on how the driver responds to the second audiblesentences. In an embodiment, the controller 16 is programmed to adjust aweighting of the selected dialogue tree 40 based on how the driverresponds to the second audible sentences.

The systems and methods described herein are advantageous for testingdriver awareness within a vehicle 12, particularly when the driverappears sleepy or distracted or certain situations call for a heightenedlevel of awareness. The systems and methods described herein furtherrefocus the driver when it is determined that the driver is sleepy ordistracted. It should be understood that various changes andmodifications to the methods described herein will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art and can be made without diminishing the intendedadvantages.

General Interpretation of Terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term“comprising” and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to beopen ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features,elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not excludethe presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups,integers and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words havingsimilar meanings such as the terms, “including”, “having” and theirderivatives. Also, the terms “part,” “section,” “portion,” “member” or“element” when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of asingle part or a plurality of parts. Also as used herein to describe theabove embodiment(s), the following directional terms “forward”,“rearward”, “above”, “downward”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “below” and“transverse” as well as any other similar directional terms refer tothose directions of a vehicle 12 equipped as disclosed herein.Accordingly, these terms, as utilized to describe the present inventionshould be interpreted relative to a vehicle 12 equipped as shown herein.

The term “configured” as used herein to describe a component, section orpart of a device includes hardware and/or software that is constructedand/or programmed to carry out the desired function.

The terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately”as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modifiedterm such that the end result is not significantly changed.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate thepresent invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure that various changes and modifications can be madeherein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined inthe appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location ororientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/ordesired.

Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each othercan have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions ofone element can be performed by two, and vice versa. The structures andfunctions of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. It isnot necessary for all advantages to be present in a particularembodiment at the same time. Every feature which is unique from theprior art, alone or in combination with other features, also should beconsidered a separate description of further inventions by theapplicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodiedby such feature(s). Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the embodimentsaccording to the present invention are provided for illustration only,and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for testing driver awareness within avehicle, the system comprising: an audio device configured to outputaudible sentences to a driver of the vehicle and receive audibleresponses from the driver; a memory storing a plurality of dialog trees,each dialogue tree triggering a plurality of audible sentences; and acontroller programmed to (i) cause the audio device to output a firstaudible sentence to the driver, (ii) receive response data relating to afirst audible response provided by the driver to the audio device, (iii)select a dialogue tree of the plurality of dialogue trees based on theresponse data, and (iv) cause the audio device to output a plurality ofsecond audible sentences from the selected dialogue tree.
 2. The systemof claim 1, comprising at least one sensor configured to generate driverdata relating to a current state of the driver, the controllerprogrammed to cause the audio device to output the first audiblesentence to the driver upon determining from the driver data that thecurrent state is a triggering driver state.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the controller is programmed to cause the audio device to outputthe first audible sentence to the driver upon determining a triggeringweather state based on received context data.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the controller is programmed to cause the audio device to outputthe first audible sentence to the driver upon determining a triggeringtraffic state based on received context data.
 5. The system of claim 1,wherein the controller is programmed to adjust a weight of the selecteddialogue tree in comparison to the plurality of dialog trees in thememory based on at least one second audible response provided by thedriver to the audio device in response to a second audible sentence fromthe selected dialogue tree.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein thecontroller is programmed to select the dialogue tree of the plurality ofdialogue trees based on at least one of: (i) one or more word detectedin the first audible response, or (ii) a tone of the first audibleresponse.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is programmedto adjust at least one vehicle component when the driver does notrespond to at least one of the first or second audible sentences outputby the audio device.
 8. A system for testing driver awareness within avehicle, the system comprising: at least one sensor configured togenerate driver data relating to a current state of a driver of thevehicle; an audio device configured to output audible sentences to thedriver and receive audible responses from the driver; and a controllerprogrammed to trigger the audio device to output a plurality of audiblesentences to the driver upon determining from the driver data that thecurrent state is a triggering driver state.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein the at least one sensor includes a camera configured to recordat least one image of the driver and generate the driver data from theat least one image.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller isprogrammed to trigger the audio device to output the plurality ofaudible sentences upon determining that the current state is thetriggering driver state based on the driver yawning.
 11. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the controller is programmed to trigger the audiodevice to output the plurality of audible sentences upon determiningthat the current state is the triggering driver state based on thedriver's eyes closing by a predetermined amount and/or for apredetermined period of time.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein thecontroller is programmed to trigger the audio device to output theplurality of audible sentences upon determining that the current stateis the triggering driver state based on the driver's line of site beingin a nonforward direction for a predetermined amount of time.
 13. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the controller is programmed to trigger theaudio device to output the plurality of audible sentences upondetermining (i) that the triggering driver state exists based on thedriver data, and (ii) that a triggering weather state, a triggeringtraffic state, a triggering road state, or a triggering vehiclecomponent state exists based on received context data.
 14. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the controller is programmed to adjust at least onevehicle component when the driver does not respond to at least one ofthe plurality of audible sentences output by the audio device.
 15. Amethod for testing driver awareness within a vehicle, the methodcomprising: triggering an audio device to output a first audiblesentence to a driver of the vehicle based upon a determination of atleast one of a triggering driver state, a triggering weather state, atriggering traffic state, a triggering road state, or a triggeringvehicle component state; receiving response data relating to a firstaudible response provided by the driver to the audio device; selecting adialogue tree from a plurality of dialogue trees based on the responsedata; and causing the audio device to output a plurality of secondaudible sentences from the selected dialogue tree.
 16. The system ofclaim 15, comprising triggering the audio device to output the firstaudible sentence to the driver based upon a determination of at leasttwo of the triggering driver state, the triggering weather state, thetriggering traffic state, the triggering road state, and the triggeringvehicle component state
 17. The system of claim 15, comprisingdetermining the triggering driver state based on at least one currentimage of the driver.
 18. The system of claim 15, comprising adjusting aweight of the selected dialogue tree in comparison to the plurality ofdialog trees based on at least one second audible response provided bythe driver to the audio device in response to a second audible sentencefrom the selected dialogue tree.
 19. The system of claim 15, comprisingselecting the dialogue tree from the plurality of dialogue trees basedon at least one of: (i) one or more word detected in the first audibleresponse, or (ii) a tone of the first audible response.
 20. The systemof claim 15, comprising adjusting at least one vehicle component whenthe driver does not respond to at least one of the first or secondaudible sentences output by the audio device.